Victorian Integrity in Sport Action Plan announced

The Andrews Labor Government is getting on with protecting the integrity and fairness of grassroots sporting competitions across Victoria.

Minister for Sport John Eren today (Monday 22 May) released the new Victorian Integrity in Sport Action Plan that addresses risks and sets out clear strategies to maintain integrity in the state and community sports sector.

Grassroots sports competitions are increasingly confronting the same integrity and reputational threats as in elite sports – match fixing, performance enhancing drugs and inappropriate behaviour of players, administrators and spectators.

This plan builds on the Government’s determination to preserve the integrity of sport at all levels in Victoria through the Victorian Code of Conduct for Community Sport.

“More people than ever are joining grassroots clubs across Victoria – everyone should be able to play the sports they love, and be confident that matches are safe and fair for all,” Minister for Sport John Eren said. “Through this action plan, the Andrews Labor Government is getting on with tackling issues such as doping and match-fixing head on to protect the integrity of grassroots sport.

“We are also working with state sporting associations and Victoria Police to stamp out corruption at all levels.”

The plan, along with a $200000 funding boost, will ensure leaders at growing grassroots clubs across the state have the necessary skills and knowledge to stamp out corruption and poor sportsmanship.

Funded initiatives will include:

The establishment of a Sports Integrity Network that will connect the sport sector and share vital information about protecting the integrity of sport.

Increased promotion of the Sport Integrity Readiness Toolkit, new training materials and sector education on sports betting and corruption and resources to prevent doping.

An Integrity and Sport Forum bringing together the Sports Integrity Network, National Integrity in Sport Unit, Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority, Victoria Police, and the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation.

Reviewing, updating and strengthening the Victorian Code of Conduct for Community Sport which was first drafted in 2010.

These new initiatives will put the power back in the hands of sports, ensuring they have the support they need to tackle big issues like illegal drugs and alcohol, violence and poor behaviour from players and spectators and governance, when they need it most.